Expect the arrival of a highly tuned version of the Honda CR-Z hybrid from MUGEN Euro very soon. The CR-Z MUGEN is expected to deliver Type-R-like performance and possibly better fuel efficiency. This development from MUGEN Euro will feature improvements to its 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and the Honda IMA system for enhanced power and torque as well as bespoke brakes and suspension for better chassis dynamics.

The anticipated revisions in the CR-Z’s engine, exhaust and induction may possibly lead to better fuel economy and lower carbon dioxide emissions in certain conditions – although final power, torque and fuel economy figures have yet to be known as the CR-Z MUGEN is still in the early development stage.

MUGEN Euro will aim to lower the vehicle’s overall weight by using lightweight components, including a carbon fiber bonnet and cut unsprung mass by employing MUGEN alloy wheels. MUGEN Euro will also try to enhance the CR-Z’s aerodynamics and give it a more sporting look by installing MUGEN body parts like front and rear bumpers, and a spoiler.

At this stage, the CR-Z MUGEN is being developed as a one-time prototype, and there are no plans for a production version. The CR-Z MUGEN is a joint project between Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro, a UK-based subsidiary of Honda’s tuning partner MUGEN.

In 2009, MUGEN Euro developed the Civic Type R MUGEN, which was considered as an extreme, 240PS version of the Civic Type R. Hiro Toyoda of MUGEN Euro, remarked that they wanted to improve the performance of the CR-Z, which he described as a fun car to drive, with an excellent chassis.

He noted that with more power and improved torque delivery, the Honda CR-Z could be more exciting. He remarked that just like all MUGEN projects, they stayed true to the Honda design and philosophy, adding that electric motor remains a vital ingredient to boost performance and economy.

Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for Honda (UK), meanwhile said that the MUGEN CR-Z will be “one quick hybrid,” adding that the vehicle promises to show how hybrids can be more exciting to drive. The MUGEN CR-Z will be unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

Press Release

MUGEN EURO to build high-performance Honda CR-Z

MUGEN Euro is developing a highly-tuned version of Honda’s CR-Z, which will deliver “Type R-like” performance from the hybrid’s petrol-electric powertrain – and may offer even better fuel economy.

This faster, more powerful car will make its world debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

The CR-Z MUGEN will feature enhancements to both the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine and the Honda IMA system to boost power and torque, while bespoke brakes and suspension will be fitted to improve the chassis dynamics.

The major engine changes, and those made to exhaust and induction, may even result in greater mpg and lower CO2 emissions during some conditions. However, at this early development stage,final power, torque and fuel economy figures are not yet known.

Lightweight components, including a carbon fibre bonnet, will be employed to lower the overall weight, and the car will use MUGEN alloy wheels to reduce unsprung mass.

To improve aerodynamics and give the car an even more sporting look, MUGEN body parts will be added, including front and rear bumpers, and a spoiler.

“We wanted to extend the performance of the CR-Z,” says Hiro Toyoda of MUGEN Euro. “It is already a fun car to drive, with an excellent chassis, but we thought that with more power and enhanced torque delivery it could be even more exciting. However, as with all MUGEN projects, we have stayed true to the Honda design and philosophy, and the electric motor is still a vital ingredient to boost performance and economy.”

The CR-Z MUGEN is a joint project between Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro – the Northampton-based subsidiary of Honda’s long standing tuning partner MUGEN. In 2009, MUGEN Euro produced the Civic Type R MUGEN, an extreme, 240PS version of Honda popular hot hatch.

“This will be one quick hybrid,” says Martin Moll, Head of Marketing for Honda (UK). “With more torque, more power and MUGEN’s experience of working with Honda cars, we’re expecting great things. It promises to show how hybrid cars can be even more exciting to drive.”

At this stage, the CR-Z MUGEN is being developed purely as a one-off prototype, with no plans for a production version.